Extreme Heat From Climate Change Linked to Smaller Babies in Pakistan
A new study has found that extreme heat caused by climate change is increasing the risk of low birth weight babies in Pakistan, especially in Southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.
A new study has found that extreme heat linked to climate change is increasing the number of babies born with low birth weight in Pakistan.
Researchers examined health data from more than 85,000 mothers and babies and found that pregnant women exposed to high temperatures were more likely to give birth to smaller babies.
The findings highlight the growing health risks of climate change for mothers and newborns, especially in vulnerable regions of Pakistan.
Study Finds Strong Link Between Heat and Low Birth Weight
The study, published in BMC Medicine, used ten years of birth data collected between 2008 and 2017.
Researchers found that women exposed to extreme temperatures during pregnancy had a significantly higher risk of delivering babies with low birth weight.
Zohra Lassi said the risk of low birth weight was up to 70 percent higher in some areas of Pakistan that face hotter climates and greater socioeconomic challenges.
Low birth weight is generally defined as babies weighing less than 2.5 kilograms at birth or being smaller than average in size.
Heat May Be Responsible for Many Low Birth Weight Cases
According to the study, around 18 percent of babies in the data sample had low birth weight.
Researchers estimated that up to 13 percent of these cases were linked to hot weather conditions.
The study also warned that this burden could increase by another 8 to 10 percent by the 2060s as climate change causes temperatures to rise further.
Zohra Lassi said low birth weight is already a major neonatal health issue in Pakistan because it can lead to:
- Neonatal mortality
- Stunted growth
- Developmental delays
- Cognitive problems
- Long-term health complications
Southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan Most at Risk
Researchers created a heat vulnerability index to identify which regions of Pakistan face the greatest danger.
The study found that the most vulnerable areas include:
- Southern Punjab
- Northern Sindh
- Balochistan
These areas face extreme heat, poverty, poor healthcare access, maternal undernutrition, and weak infrastructure, all of which increase the risk for pregnant women and newborns.
Hira Fatima said heat does not act alone and often combines with social and economic disadvantages to create greater health risks.
Researchers Call for Stronger Maternal Health Protection
The study said climate adaptation efforts in Pakistan should not focus only on heatwave warnings.
Researchers stressed the need for:
- Better maternal healthcare services
- Public awareness programs for pregnant women
- Improved hospital infrastructure
- Targeted support in high-risk districts
- Better nutrition and healthcare access
- Climate-adapted maternal care strategies
Hira Fatima said vulnerable pregnant women need stronger support to cope with rising temperatures.
Climate Change Increasing Health Risks in Pakistan
Pakistan has seen more frequent heatwaves, floods, droughts, and extreme weather events in recent years.
These climate-related disasters are placing greater pressure on the healthcare system and increasing health risks for mothers and children.
Researchers believe the findings are important not only for Pakistan but also for other countries facing hotter temperatures in the future.
Conclusion
The new research on extreme heat linked to smaller babies in Pakistan shows how climate change is becoming a major public health threat.
Without stronger maternal health services, better climate adaptation policies, and improved healthcare infrastructure, more mothers and babies may face serious risks in the coming decades.
